Over the years, the Hog Cutters have experienced an array of different hog behaviors. We have also shared validation of wild hog intelligence. Another trait that has become apparent is the perpetual cycling of new sounders through areas we have “cleared” of hogs.
In many cases, neighboring land-owners are either not removing hogs, or are failing to remove whole sounders. As trappers and property owners are eliminating their populations, sounders from adjoining lands are migrating to new locations with water sources, food sources and no competition from other hogs. These attributes are an open invitation to other hogs.
The 23 Square Mile Project
On the 23 Square Mile Project property this has happened to us yet again. In an area the land-owner refers to as “In the Pines”, we eliminated multiple sounders and boars. New hog sign was non-existent for several months. Unfortunately the land manager began finding small areas of new hog damage.
Jager Pro ICE cameras were put in place to monitor hog traffic and begin gathering information on hog numbers and identification details. The hogs we were seeing seemed to be wary of any intrusion. We had to relocate a Jager Pro trap to the area slowly. Finally the trap was complete. However this time “In the Pines” we employed a double gate system. The main sounder appeared to be educated to traps, and needed a lot of coercion with Texas Hog Bait to finally cave in and enter.
Just as life seems to go in circles, so does trapping I suppose. Way back when we thought eliminating 500 hogs was a lofty goal, we met and exceeded that goal In the Pines. Now as Hog Cutters is within reach of hitting 1000, our trap in the pines has helped us break 900 hogs for this property.
It seems quite fitting that it happened over Labor Day when Zeb and Wyatt were off school for a 3 day weekend. No cookouts or end of summer celebrations. Hog Cutters definitely puts the labor in Labor Day. If hogs are going to keep coming around again – we will be there to make room for more.
